The house of worship drew not only Hindus but also local and foreign tourists who wanted to experience the uniqueness of the Thaipusam celebration there compared to that in several other countries.

Worshippers and devotees Bernama met said they were pleasantly surprised to see the Prime Minister at the Thaipusam celebration in Kuala Selangor.

“I have been attending the Thaipusam celebration here for the past 10 years and this is the first time I have seen the Prime Minister here. We are all delighted over his presence,” said M. Raj, 39.

At Batu Caves, Ahmad Zahid delivered the good news that the government would allocate RM2 million to the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple to develop a cultural complex for the Indian community.

Thaipusam is observed by Hindus all over the world in the month of ‘Thai’ in the Tamil calendar to commemorate the act of Goddess Parvathi presenting the ‘vel’ (lance} to her son Lord Muruga as an embodiment of her ‘shakti’ or power to vanquish the evil Soorapadman and restore peace and well-being.

During Thaipusam, Hindus fulfill their vows by carrying well-decorated ‘kavadi’ bearing pots of milk as an offering to Lord Muruga.